WASHINGTON  Private investors have until Jan. 17 to submit proposals to assist financing Washington's new ballpark under a process started Thursday by city's chief financial officer.

Legislation approved Tuesday by the District of Columbia Council contemplates that at least half of the stadium construction cost come from a private source.

Mayor Anthony A. Williams signed a letter to the council stating he would include private financing in the stadium package but the legislation allows the city to revert to publicly financed bonds if private financing falls through.

The process gives investors nearly four weeks to submit proposals along with nonrefundable $10,000 deposits.

"The CFO arranged the fee to offset the cost of the financial experts that will be needed to help vet the proposals," said Sharon Gang, a spokeswoman for the mayor.

Funding proposals must significantly reduce the city's cost for the ballpark and explain how the plan would benefit the city and the investor. But they cannot be based on revenue such as stadium naming rights — they are owned by the team, which will be renamed the Nationals.

The CFO's office is required to finish evaluating the proposals by March 15.

Legislation allows the city to sell up to $584 million in bonds for the project.

Council Chair Linda W. Cropp demanded private financing to help reduce the city's risk and cost on the project.

Spring training invitations sent

The Washington-bound Expos on Thursday invited 10 players to spring training — nine of them with Major League experience.

Among the six pitchers receiving invitations was right-hander Dan Smith, released from the club in October. Arm and back problems have kept him from pitching in a game since June 2003.

Also invited to camp were infielders Phil Hiatt, Jared Sandberg and Rick Short, catcher Keith Osik and pitchers Hector Carrasco, Chad Durbin, Seth Greisinger, Luis Pineda and Micah Bowie. Only Short hasn't been to the big leagues, and Hiatt hasn't played in the majors since 2001.